stop-the-bleeding-with-quikclot-quick-clot

How To Stop The Bleeding With QuikClot | 3 to 5 Times Faster

The first thing to know… Apply direct pressure on the dressing to help stop bleeding.

However a traumatic bleeding injury may require more help.

Most typical general purpose first aid kits will NOT include a clotting sponge. But that’s what you’ll need to stop major bleeding long enough to receive professional care.

Most first aid kits have an assortment of typical size bandages for cuts and scrapes. A few gauze bandages (perhaps 2×2″ and 4×4″). Gauze tape, and a few other supplies.

But it’s missing an important item. QuikClot.

(UPDATE)
They now have Advanced Clotting Gauze in strips (recommended).

QuikClot 3″x24″ (2-pack)
(view on amzn)

QuikClot stops moderate to severe bleeding until further medical help is available. This is why I have added it to my first aid kits.

QuikClot Clotting Sponge

Quikclot speeds coagulation of the blood, resulting in a clot that stops bleeding.

It stops bleeding quicker than conventional methods (up to 5 times faster). It is safe to leave on wounds until receiving more advanced medical help.

Quikclot is a natural enzyme that starts the blood clotting process in the body. Our bodies have small amounts of it that are there naturally (except for hemophiliacs), but Quikclot is simply concentrated to a high level.

How QuikClot Works

It is impregnated with kaolin, the same technology used by US troops to stop even the worst bleeding wounds. Kaolin activates fibers in the blood plasma – makes them sticky, traps platelets and stops bleeding fast.

Plug it, Wrap it, Apply Pressure

Stop the bleeding. Plug it, Wrap it, Apply Pressure.

For traumatic bleeding, the plug is the QuikClot. This could be their square pad (sponge) or the gauze strip mentioned above (which conveniently wraps).

Wrap it with more regular gauze, or even more effective – the Israeli Bandage (much more effective!).

Then apply pressure to the wound area. The Israeli bandage does this automatically by it’s design.

Israeli Compression Bandage
(view on amzn)

[ Read: How To Use The Israeli Bandage ]

Ordinary Bleeding

For most ordinary bleeding injuries, bandage/gauze and applying direct pressure to the wound site is adequate to control or stop the bleeding.

Applying pressure (ideally with a clean gauze or clean cloth over the wound) will slow or stop the bleeding. Coagulants in the body will clot the wound area naturally.

[ Read: First Aid: How To Stop Bleeding ]

[ Read: Trauma Kit List | 5 Lifesaving Items ]

10 First Aid Kit Ad-on Items, Like Good Tweezers, Better Scissors…

104 Comments

  1. Yes pressure, yes to Quick Clot. Ice will also help reduce bleeding. Of course if you have a severed artery a it’s a whole different problem . Also elevating the wound above the heart will slow it down some as well. (I was a Medic in a war and an R.N. afterward before going into the Ministry)

    1. – Reading back over the article and comments, I noticed a glaring omission. Quick Clot is a Drug, not a piece of cotton gauze you can just slap on anyone anytime they are cut. It is a very valuable drug, but like any other drug, it has cautions and warnings. It is a shrimp by-product. If someone is allergic to shrimp, shellfish, or seafood, you should not use it. I would be very cautious using it on someone who is allergic to Iodine, IVP dye (used in X-ray studies of veins), or any of Iodine’s other forms.

      It is for serious, life-threatening bleeding, not more minor injuries.

      It doesn’t do much good to stop someone’s bleeding if you stop their breathing with an allergic reaction.

      – Papa S.

      1. Papa Smurf,
        Wow! I did not know that! I’m severely allergic to IVP dye and shrimp! Thanks!
        Beach’n

      2. From what I have read QC uses Kaolin and is supposedly non-allergenic. Celox uses a product derived from shellfish but is also supposed to be safe for anyone with shellfish allergies.

    2. Prayer Up !,

      Jealousy is a deadly disease. It clouds your judgement, it leads you to say and do things that hurts others. It does nothing to better yourself. Read Galatians 5:19-21, then Prayer Up!

      Besides, I’m guessing Ken was successful financially before he started this blog, as were many who follow it, before they became serious preppers.

      Sowing discord adds nothing to the conversation. Thanks for the reminder for us to try and be better than that.

      1. Thanks Dennis. Yes, previous success during my previous career enabled me to jump ship to my present lifestyle. Being smart with my money back then (not buying “the big house” or lots of expensive “toys” beyond my means) and ridding ALL debt, was key. Now I can live on much, much less.

    3. @ “Prayer Up”, So, you’re upset because I may be making a living for my efforts here? You’re angry because I’m not working for free? And on top of that you apparently believe that I’m earning lots of money such that I’m buying all kinds of “cool stuff”? Really?

      I used to make what you might consider lots of money — though since I left the corporate world a decade ago (my choice), this blog has been my only income (my choice). And it has been “just enough” to pay the bills for my given lifestyle, with no debt (because I was smart years ago during the “good times” not to spend it all).

      I pay 100% of my health insurance out of my own pocket (no employer to split the cost). It’s not cheap (in case you didn’t know that). Being self employed I pay business related tax of ~15% to the Feds for 100% of my social security tax 12% (rather than 6% split by an employer) plus ~3% medicare tax (even though I’m not receiving it). Then, there’s income tax after all that… And this blog is not making me rich (as you seem to believe).

      It’s incredible (to me) how there are people out there who feel they are entitled to free efforts from people like me who put out content on the internet and maintain a website with all its headaches. These people get angry when they see ads, or product promotions, as though the writer doesn’t deserve compensation. I’ve never understood that.

      In any event, I felt the need to respond to your statement.

      1. Just to stay on topic, I give you this analogy.

        We must stop the bleeding!

        We are not entitled to free shit from those that produce. Our welfare state and education system has bred a population that believe your work is for their benefit.

      2. Ken;
        You know not to feed the trolls.
        “It’s” comment has absolutely nothing to do with the Article, it was written solely to disrupt the site and get you fired up.
        Delete the Post.

        Prayer Up !;
        “Move along, nothing to see here”.

        1. NRP
          Don’t agree. We have been bleeding for years by being hit from all sides and not responding to the hate. Good people can no longer express any opinions for fear of being attacked – even the political poles do not reflect the truth because so many will not give an answer or will give the answer the media wants to hear. We only have a year to correct the injustice.

      3. Sorry I hit such a sensitive nerve with my short comment. Was it the remark about your beautiful compound that might of upset you and your readers? And good for you for having achieved financial independence. I never said you didn’t deserve what you worked hard for. I never said you didn’t earn it. And while you put out a very nice website, you did it because you wanted to. I guess I assumed wrong that you either received free product or some compensation for all your product reviews. I was not angry ..sorry it was taken that way. Maybe this Bible passage sums it up for me. Matthew 6: 19….Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thrives break through and steal: (20) but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven….(21) for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

        1. Gata chuckle when someone comes in like a Troll (look it up) and ends with quoting the Bible….. Tis all in the wording. Insult without using the words, very well done. Just in some peoples nature.

        2. And you are laying up treasures in heaven by posting what? The evils of Ken making a living for himself and family? How he makes a living? That he may have been successful in his chosen vocation? Figured out a way to make something he enjoys also provide some income?

          And this hurts others how? I don’t know Ken’s relationship with God…………nor do I know yours. I do know that neither you…..or I, are his judge on those matters. I don’t come to this site for spiritual enlightenment, although Ken allows me to occasionally share my faith……….to lift up others, not tear them down.

          I continue to share with, and appreciate Ken’s and other’s posts, if you no longer enjoy the site for whatever reason, there’s nothing to be gained by parting shots. I wish nothing but the best for you.

        3. Prayer up.
          Having ” things ” that are “nice” is not the problem in those verses, but the attitude one takes with those things “as being the desired end all to life.”
          The word “Treasures” indicates those are items deemed to contain all value. It is not one’s items they have ,but the value each person gives said articles. For those who have an issue with” things”.. nice houses/compounds -like you addressed, having these CAN be a stumblingblock. Just as sure as those that COVET other peoples things because they have a lesser amount…both will face judgement over the mishandling and attitude toward ” STUFF”
          Our most intimate desire must be for heavenly treasures, not earthly. To represent this as one can not have anything nice is a terrible injustice to God and the blessings he bestows on us daily.
          We must all be careful not to desire what other people have and be content with what we have.
          Just think about it.Don’t remember seeing you post here, maybe you are at the wrong place?

  2. Great article as usual Ken. When I started prepping little over a year ago, I used my flex spending account from my employer to purchase a GI Style Trauma Kit (320 items) and the Rapid Response Kit (80 items) from a survival supply company. Since than, I have added more items to those bags and QuikClot was definitely one of those items (a big plus). Wife was a nurse for years so that’s one more plus in my prepper plan. The other prepping stuff, I still have a long way to go!

    1. Prepper Dan;
      Would greatly suggest (if the kits don’t already have them) adding a few Israeli Bandages. A must have IMHO.

      BTW
      “The other prepping stuff, I still have a long way to go!”
      Please remember your miles and decades ahead of those that do not prepare at all.
      Sounds to me like your doing GREAT!!!! Just remember the TP …. HAHAHA, just had to add that ya know..

      1. NRP,
        Both kits have Israeli bandages in them. You are definitely right, that is a must have! Now, I did read somewhere that 6000 rolls might not be enough. I’m in the same boat. I can’t seem to store any with the wife and two daughters around. I recently bought some TP tablets. What a wonderful thing those little things are!

        1. Prepper Dan

          Yup, those little tablets are great and take up a heck of a lot less space than rolled TP. And they come in plastic containers for protection against moisture/damage.

        2. hermit us,
          Bingo my friend. I won’t buy anything else unless it’s for the females of the house for now on. For some reason they get vicious without their TP. Life lesson, lesson learned!

        3. Mrs. U,
          I bought mine from the A word place. They are called coin tissues from Win.

  3. I prefer the gauze to the sponge. I bought one of those pocket kits, that had the quick clot sponge, from Bass Pro a few years back and threw it in the glove box. Fast forward a few years and I rolled up on a motorcycle vs car accident with an open trauma wound. I opened the kit and the “sponge” was a rock and worthless. I had other items in my go bag which I usually reserve for me and mine only and decided to use them based on my close proximity to the house for resupply.
    That kit was in a package and there really wasn’t a way to check it but if you have the sponges alone it would be prudent to do so from time to time. Just give them a squeeze and see if they are hard.
    Also pre-SHTF some of the medical folks like to know when this stuff is used if possible. Or at least this is what I’ve been told in training. I attached it to the patient and told the firefighter. I won’t repeat what he said but perhaps he was just having a bad day. Maybe some medical folks can chime in on if that is true.

    1. Matt in OK,
      When I worked ER, many years ago, we would get quite upset when people came in with lacerations and tried to fix it with super glue! What a mess! Not only did we have to try and get it back open, but it macerated this tissue, so sutures were a mess. Didn’t have quick clotting items OTC at that time.
      MadFab

      1. – Matt,
        Do tell the first responders you used the stuff. It does take longer to clean up a wound that the stuff has been used on, but it is what it is. They may gripe, but at least they have a live patient to gripe about.
        – Papa S.

  4. Although I have never done it, I understand that unflavored Dental Floss can be used as suture material in a pinch. For awhile back in the 80’s some Doc’s used safety pins to close wounds, and under some conditions sterile surgical staples are used.

    1. I’m sure many of us have heard the “war stories” about how the Medics in the field during the Vietnam Conflict used Maxi-Pads and Tampons to treat open wounds.

    2. Seminole Wind
      I have used unflavored Dental Floss, to sew up a 9in chainsaw wound on an individuals upper leg, flesh wound, who could not go to a hospital. I, also used cayenne pepper to control the bleeding, I have used Qickclot powder an smaller wounds, works fine.

      1. You sparked an old memory of field Corpsmen using Tabasco sauce on wounds in Vietnam, more as an antiseptic than a coagulant .

      2. and don’t forget about our old friend Yarrow leaves a styptic. Consider having in your garden. Easy peasy.

        1. Yarrow leaf powders work well. Mr. cut his thumb this summer and I put some on because it was bleeding quite a bit. Then put on the bandaid. In antiquity it was called herbal militarist for staunching the blood flow of wounds. (from Wikipedia)
          I also found that the wound healed quickly to. Sooooo as always folks do you own research.

        2. Mrs U
          Im wondering if a combination of dried yarrow leaf and dried comfrey would be good, that could be a good mix, sparingly on the comfrey but combined might be an interesting combo.
          I love it when something i can actually grow has a use!

        3. Kulafarmer

          I’ve used this combo, works great. 75% yarrow–25% comfrey.

  5. Don’t get caught without, what I call, the small stuff.

    I have done some first aid work, but not a proper medical practitioner. I’m not sure of the number of minor injuries as opposed to major – 99% minor?

    So, look at the stuff for minor cuts, burns, strains, … just thinking about the tree branch that attacked me this summer and put a 2″ gash in my scalp after I took off my hard hat of course.

    I always seem to be running out of various size bandaids, after bite, eye wash, peroxide, antiseptic creme, …

  6. “cayenne pepper for bleeding” ??? Anyone know if this is true ?

    1. Hello Eli, well I have never heard of this, but certainly worth looking into. Interesting.

    2. Eli Wags

      I have used cayenne pepper for years to control bleeding that was not arterial. Works just fine, BUT, the sting of the pepper, will certainly take the patients mind off of the wound. Burns like a bi@@ch.!!!

    1. Mrs.U,
      How big of a wound are ya talking about?
      There is dermabond, which is used for superficial wounds( NOT super glue) for something a bit larger, I would use some surgical tape , cut to size.
      Staples can also be used in superficial wounds, but get the remover with the stapler, cause taking them out hurts like a bi@#h.
      Just my 2 pennies
      MadFab
      PS, I think what Between was referring to as a forceps, is actually a hemostat clamp. Forceps are basically tweezers 😜.
      MadFab

        1. – Mad Fab, Veteran is correct. They are often referred to as Hemostats, but that is short for hemostatic forceps. The forceps you are referring to are usually referred to as splinter, tissue, gauze or Adson forceps depending on the type, and there are multiple (around thirty) less common types.
          – Papa S.

        2. Papa,
          I am very familiar with forceps, and clamps,as I worked as a surgical nurse for 22 years, after 8 years in ER.I was thinking there might have been a language issue from Veteran, as things could go by other names in other countries. Sorry for any confusion I caused.
          PEACE,
          MadFab

        3. Papa S,
          Holy cow . Did my next comment sound snotty and rude? I sure didn’t mean it to sound that way. I am sorry if anyone, especially you took it that way.
          Again so sorry!
          MadFab

        4. Papa Smurf, Mad Fab,
          I am apologize for my misunderstanding, it is probably language issue! But I can see all of you understand what tool I am speaking about.

    2. Mrs.U, I would use the best surgical tape i could .. cut in peices like a buterfly is shaped.. like a bow tie. big on ends and small in center…in case of extreme allergies, paper tape.. will work for a little while.

  7. Hello to everyone!
    Personally I prefer classic cotton gause and cotton bandage. If you have any serious wound you will need basic surgical tools. Scalpel, scissors, forceps (very important one if you have opened artery or vein). You need antiseptic and antibiotics. If you have massive bleeding you need saline infusion. Every kind of wound on your hands and legs you can fix with this equipment. But if you have opened chest or stomach on one guy, his chances are very slim without serious surgical equipment and surgeon with anesthesia.
    I suggest you to avoid expensive, magical, whatever is thing and to buy cheap and simple professional tools and equipment. You can find basic surgical kits for 15 dollars on Amazon. You can buy cotton material (gause and bandage) very cheap. Saline infusion with sistem for intravenous application is cheap too. Antibiotics are not so cheap but it is must have item. Antiseptic is cheap. You can use votka or any other strong alcohol. I think for 250 dollars you can buy all what you need.
    If you need more than this your patient will probably die without hospital care.

    1. Hello Veteran, yes a large wound will be hard to make better. Reminds me of the old paper I found in an estate sale box was from 1940’s US Air Force. Specified how a pilot could treat a wound should he be hurt. Most of the information was about using Sulphur powder and sprinkling on the wound.

  8. – Mrs. U,
    Plain ol’ tape. Medical or otherwise, if I had it. Cut approximately 1/3 of the way across from either side, fold a notch to keep the adhesive off of the healing wound. If I had it, I would apply tincture of Benzoin alongside the wound, not on it (it contains alcohol); let it dry to tackiness, then apply with some tension from either side, so it hold the wound closed. The Benzoin will help to protect the skin from the tape. Leave it for about ten or so days; gently tug at the healing wound to see if it is going to stay or come apart before removing. If it looks like it is going to stay, remove the tape by pulling from the outside ends toward the middle. if not, leave it a few more days. Wounds over joints will take a bit longer, say three to five more days. This was how the original “Butterfly” bandages were made, for how the tape resembled butterfly wings.

    – Papa S.

  9. I have a few quick clots and am wondering about their shelf life. Anyone know?

    1. – The package should have a date on one of the seams. It should still be good a year or two after that, but…
      Mine seems to be about three years out.
      – Papa S.

  10. I was going to purchase a quickclot type substance at the local farm store.
    The warning label said, ‘not safe for humans’

    Why?

    Also on that note, when the dogs nails are trimmed, occasionally they might be trimmed short, causing bleeding. We then apply flour or corn starch to stop the bleeding.

    Same concept as quickclot?

    For meself, I usually go for the bandaid, duct tape and guaze, or kitchen towel. Depends on the severity……been there, done that type of thing.

  11. Sort of surprised no one has mentioned cauterization to stop the bleeding. I’m guessing everyone here has seen it a thousand times (exaggeration, I know) on TV and in movies, where the hero heats a Bowie knife or fireplace poker to cherry red then grimaces in pain as he presses it against the wound.

    We have several medical professionals here. Would be interesting to hear some critiquing on this Hollywood technique’s actual efficacy.

    1. – Dennis,
      We do occasionally (very occasionally) use cauterization to stop bleeding. Usually a very small vessel that just won’t quit. I have never seen anyone that did it like they do in the movies, and I have seen a lot of ‘weird stuff’ come in off of the street.

      In general, doing it the way it is typically done in the movies would cause more trauma to the poor victim than he had had before. I normally see maybe a 1-2 mm spot that has been cauterized, maybe as many as half-a dozen on one patient.

      If I can’t stop it with pressure, elevation and cold, I will probably use a blood pressure cuff as a temporary tourniquet. Cauterizing bleeders is something relatively rarely done. if it’s a bigger vessel, it might get clamped with a hemostat. Those usually get closed off with a suture in surgery.

      – Papa S.

      1. – Of course, when all else fails, a tourniquet around the neck will usually do the trick.

        – Papa

    2. Dennis does the phrase “Insult to Injury” come to mind?

      Burns and devitalized tissue from that “Holly weird” medical “treatment” just adds more problems to your situation. IF you survive the bleeding the INFECTIONS will be Harsh. Please DON’T do it.

      Direct Pressure and a lot of time (most people cannot stop themselves from PEEKING thus destroying whatever clotting effect and Restarting the Direct Time required) will take care of most bleeding. That is partly WHY the Israeli Bandage works so well NO PEEKING so they clot and stop bleeding.

      If you want something you can grow yourself Red Peppers, dried and ground into powder is almost as effective as Quick Clot when used properly. Black pepper also stops bleeding but I cannot grow Black Pepper in NH.

      Remember not everyone will survive injuries even TODAY, let alone SHTF medical care, learn to have faith in your God as you will meet Him soon enough.

      Or as that famous Scotsman Wallace said “All Men Die, Not ALL Men truly LIVE”. Live for something, not just for that next breath.

      1. me2,

        Wasn’t recommending it, but since a lot of folks like to believe what they see on the TV or in movies, I felt some of you who have medical training would dispel this.

        Same applies to combat. Some folks think they’re ready for a fight cause they’ve seen all the cool moves the heroes in the movies use.

      2. Dennis I was quite clear from your posting that you were NOT in favor of Holly weird medical techniques. Friend you have a reputation of being sensible.

        My answer was to dispel it a bit as well as educate those willing to read a posting longer than a “Tweet” of useful options that will be available long after your box of neat medical supplies are gone or too expired for use (like that rock hard bit of Quick Clot someone mentioned).

        “Action” Movies and Combat almost as similar to Apples and Concrete Blocks… A lot of folks will be killed from bad advise to do a Stand at Lexington Bridge (The SHOT Heard around the World for history folks) against even Gangs, let alone Military.

  12. The idea of doing something ‘five times faster’ is nonsensical. If it takes one minute to do something what how long would it take to do it one times faster? Zero minutes? You might do it in half the time or 10% of the time.

    1. “QuikClot will help to clot the wound 3 to 5 times faster than it otherwise would without it”. Is that grammatically better?

    2. Ted,

      5 times= 5x or a multiple of 5
      or
      5x= 60 seconds
      x= 60 seconds/5
      x= 12 seconds

      For future reference, please remember that no number is divisible down to zero except zero itself.

      1. Dennis

        Have you not heard that old math is racist. New math will prove you have bled out and therefore zero is the correct answer.

        It is impossible to address all the injuries that can happen to the human body – and impossible to provide all the treatments on a blog site.

        We do our best to describe complex issues but training and experience are what matter – successful gardening, water wells, solar systems, TP management, …

  13. The color in the photo of the quick clot looks like vermiculite. I do not have any so not sure.

  14. Aren’t there some wounds/situations that should drain instead of close up?

  15. First off, I must say the Isreali bandage is a good viable option if you have no other choice. The other choice being rapid transport to an ED with a trauma and vascular surgeon on standby.

    Reply to Matt in OK: the fireman that you handed off to has to take note of the bandage time of application as it is treated as a tourniquet in the ED. The burn unit or location where debridement takes place may further cuss at the person that applied the Isreali bandage because it introduces foreign matter into an open wound. ( Kaolin clay – the same stuff used in kaopectate to stop diarrhea so we do not have to use 300 of NRP’s 600 rolls of TP.).

    Butt, as pointed out by Papa Smurf, it sure as h#!! beats the alternative to sitting down with your thumb up your backside. Matt, you did good work that day. Nobody says that to first responders enough these days.

    To fix a cut artery or vein requires the skills of a vascular surgeon and I do not want to try doing their job in the field. Over the years, I have met quite a few of them. Pretty cool individuals by and large.

    So what do I do as a homebody where kids limp up to my house with lacerations or bee stings: ( yes, the parents know I have a lot of stuff at my house and tend to come over when they are in a panic.)

    I am in the same camp with Veteran over in Eastern Europe where I have a lot of gauze and roller gauze on hand. ( my favorite brand that is expensive and NEVER goes on sale: Kerlix Cling I have some tape but it is limited due to higher frequency of tape allergy where I am located. ( if the person is fair skinned with red hair and freckles, odds are high they will have an allergy to tape, adhesive and possibly latex.).

    The only field expedient clamp I have used was forceps tipped with surgical tubing ( same stuff that powers slingshots.). Because: the areas that meet in the forceps are serrated and not smooth. They can serve to cut those flexible and slippery blood vessels when clamped in place.

    Also of note is that cut blood vessels tend to retract into the body after the trauma takes place so it is double-tough trying to get hold of that bleeder. All of the chemicals used to stop the flow of blood also tend to burn or sting to include styptic pencils, hot sauce, peppers, tea bags. Good for surface wounds where you have capillary oozing taking place. Be aware of this before application.

    For children and parents hovering nearby, I like to use bactine as a rinse and cleansing agent because it is a no-sting formula.

    Sorry for talking so long. I guess those are the reasons I have not gotten a truckload of Isreali bandages yet. I am old school ambulance/flight medic where I do phone patch and give the info bullet to the ED while in transport so they know to scramble the vascular and trauma surgeon before arrival to the loading dock/helipad.

    1. Calirefugee
      Appreciate it. I just wanted to make sure I was on the right path.

  16. Knowledge and experience are far more valuable than “things.” It is important to know when and how to use quick clot. The same for ANY tourniquet. If ya don’t know FOR SURE what you are doing, think at least twice, before applying that tourniquet. Is it better to be alive than dead? Of course. It would be even better to have all your limbs.

    When a novice first aid provider puts a tourniquet in place, it will likely stay in place. What does a tourniquet do, exactly??? Depending on how tight it is applied or how long it’s in place, it can do everything from starving everything distal to the tourniquet, to possibly relieving pulmonary edema. But and it’s a huge BUT, ya gotta know what your doing. Rotating tourniquets? what’s that??? Trying to restrict venous return with out affecting arteriole blood flow??? Why would ya want to do that??? Don’t know????

    I’m not ragging on anyone here. If ya have an amputation, by all means apply a very tight tourniquet. I have seen patients where someone has applied a tourniquet and caused the loss of that limb. Maybe, just maybe elevating the wound (blood flows slower going up hill), try direct pressure. Know where your pulses are felt? Well, some well directed pressure on those “pressure points” will restrict, but hopefully not occlude blood flow.

    Please folks, learn a little more. Knowledge is forever. There is a time and place for tourniquets. Mostly, as a last resort.

    Ken mentioned a “disclaimer” awhile back, about medical advice. Go take a reputable first aid course. Learn what to do and what NOT to do. I’ve seen folks doing CPR on unconscious people. They had a full pulse and were breathing well. Do ya really want to break someone’s ribs over a concussion? Tourniquets are nothing to play around with. Quick clot, good stuff, when needed.

    1. Plainsmedic ,
      On open wound I prefer to use forceps with lock to block artery or vein. It makes less damage and is easier for surgeon to do his job. First one pressure with fingers on spots to slow down bleeding and second with forceps will block opened artery in the wound. Sometimes will not be possible. In this case you will use tourniquet. Write time when you apply it. It is just first aid and will buy some time. It is not solution just first step to make time for surgeon. Let hope we will never need this technique. (For me never again)

      1. To be clear, I spoke about serious wounds with massive bleeding not about small cuts and scratches.

        1. About Israeli bandage, I haven’t experience with this one particularly but in army we have similar but much simpler. My opinion is : this is made for war. Field medic will be very busy and he needs to be as fast as possible. Personally I don’t like some things on it. First what if you have wound on both sides of your leg. This one what I seen on YouTube is only with one gause surface. Second, unwinding is from wrong side. Third plastic gadget can limit possibilities. I can make pressure on other way.
          But material is high quality and is good to have it in the back pack. Concerning the price is it expensive compared to ordinary bandage?

      2. Veteran,
        I too, hope ya never need it again. Your life experiences are vast. I agree with your reference to forceps. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely most folks will have forceps or hemostats, readily available. As ya already know, sometimes ya gotta make do with what ya got.

        Had to laugh at myself, the other day. Cut my finger in the garage. I bandaged it with a piece of paper towel and duct tape. I later took better care of the minor wound, but it worked for the short term. The older we get, the longer we seem to bleed. Oh well.

        1. Only had experience with hemostats back in the 70’s…………….:-}

  17. One last point,
    If you hunt or butcher your own livestock, collect a pint of blood. Take it somewhere with flat concrete. Pour it out and spread it around a little bit. It can be made to look like a blood bath, when spread around.

    People will gladly give a pint of blood to the red cross or whomever. The human body can easily lose a pint of blood and recover. Most folks can recover with only drinking some fluids. Don’t let a gruesome looking scene, fool you into doing something unnecessary. Oh and Cali, I too have spent a fair amount of time on roto-wing and fixed wing. I did notice, some pilots are better than others!!

  18. Not really much of a med person as far as knowledge. I’ve cut myself a lot over the years (mostly while working) and I generally wrap it with a paper towel and wrap it with electrical tape till I get home to wash it up and re-wrap it.

    My first aid kits are well equipped with a mix of things including herbal things but still a glorified band aid box. But then they have worked for me for years. I do have cayenne powder in them for gashing wounds and have only used it once. It worked but it could also have worked by the direct pressure. A Matbo blade flew apart and made a big gash in my leg.

    The kit in my van worked well so far (60-years)

    I do have several quick-clot pouches in all my kits but have not needed them so far.

    A few Questions:

    Kaolin clay is inexpensive on Amazon, is it the same thing? 1 pound of it is $7.00. or should this be avoided?

    Second Question where is a good place to go for a bit more advanced first aid course? I looked into The Red Cross a few years ago but they were doing nothing at the time. And my local fire department doesn’t do anything.

    1. PS: Not necessarily looking for a free first aid course. Professional people deserve to make money and your health is important so I feel throwing a bit of money at it is well worth it.

      And any suggestions as to what to look for in training?

      I do lots of construction and outdoor work and that is where the most likely bad things would occur.

      1. Chuck Findlay,
        Cali is right on the emt thing. Ya probably don’t need to invest that much time and effort. Emt is a great starting point in pre-hospital care. I would much rather work with a great emt than a bad paramedic. There are plenty of bad health care workers throughout the medical field. There are also some fantastic folks. I became an emt in the mid 70’s. I enjoyed the work and enthusiastically enrolled in paramedic training.

        There is a huge difference between emt and paramedic. Not only the training/education, but the treatment modalities. I still maintain my paramedic license. lots of continuing ed is required.

        I would recommend a course at the “first responder” level. It provides the basics of first aid and gives an insight into how ems works. Contact your local red cross or your local ems. The courses are not free. Less time and money invested, than trying for emt. If you are sincerely interested, by all means take an emt course at a community college.

  19. Beyond basic first aid, the next step up would be Emergency Medical Technician-1 The entry level needed to become a fire fighter for municipal agencies.

    Unless you become a professional full-time medic, this course is a 6 month course with ride along and ED time investment. Should everybody do this? most cannot afford this investment of time, money and resources.

    I am biased because it was my stepping stone into my lifetime career in medicine. This professional certificate can open many doors into a wide variety of jobs like Ski Patrol where I learned to tie bandages in place without use of tape. ( tape does not work in the cold and wet.)

    For construction and trades people, basic first aid is a good place to start. Contact Fire Department and local community college for more information.

    1. To be nurse in my country you need to get four years of high school! After that you can start college three or four years to be graduated nurse.
      In army you have field medic (it is soldier with course) and medical technician (nurse with high school diploma).

    1. Would be nice to see qualified individuals offering training classes at prepper conventions, gun shows, outdoor shows, etc.
      Someone along the lines of Dr. Joe Alton and his nurse wife Amy. His books have been mentioned here before.

      1. Hell, it would be nice to have Prepper conventions, Gun/Outdoor shows, in our area, we dont have nuttin!

        1. Kulafarmer
          Isn’t there a preparedness store there? They don’t have anything going?
          I dunno which island your on either so even that might not feasible.
          I know even things here have died down again with shows and conventions. The “gun’ shows here are about 50/50 on guns and gear to junk, artwork and more junk. True military surplus isn’t even really a thing anymore either.
          I’m not big into the shows with crowds anymore and the preparedness groups have big ideas with little gumption usually but I do learn things.
          We have a lot of the old west 1800s types that do frontier things that are good to go to for learning.

        2. Yes and no,
          There is sort of a store that sells some freeze dried meals and MREs and surplus stuff, but not much, guy is mostly a gun store, but even that he is limited, i think is just a storefront so he can keep his FFL active. One other gun store closed, and the other has been ok but limited inventory, small community eh, and we are in a commy blue state.

        3. What you said about “preparedness groups” is sorta one reason i would shy away from that anyway, that and the target thing, as in its a target for those opposed!
          Stay away from crowds, even small ones

  20. Veteran,
    I certainly meant no disrespect to ya in my comment. I know that when I travel, I sometimes make mistakes in what I say.
    Truly enjoy all of your posts and your insights and thoughts.
    Again, didn’t mean any disrespect to you or anyone .
    MadFab

    1. Don’t worry it’s my fault. Next time I will check in dictionary for right word.
      But I think we understand each other. Forceps with lock or clamp. Different size and length for different jobs but basically it is same tool.
      What you think about Israeli bandage? I seen it on YouTube and I think it is very specialized.

      1. Veteran, I also have a medical background, have been out of field for several years.. I appreciate your comments and your perspective. Please keep on posting, your posts are coming thru loud and clear. Thanks, for taking time and effort to post here.

  21. Veteran
    You just keep on posting, saying what ever you want. You are a valuable addition to this site.

    Don’t let your word choice worry you, we can figure out what you are talking about

    God Bless

    1. Stand my Ground ,
      You are good! All of you! Some time is hard to express myself using English.

      1. Veteran;
        Not to worry about your English OR your typing, Heck, read some of my gibberish sometimes HAHAHA

        1. Veteran,

          I agree with NRP, your English is fine. Now we need to start working on the old TP hoarder.

  22. – Veteran,
    Don’t worry; English is supposed to be one of the world’s most difficult languages. It is right up there with Mandarin Chinese, which I don’t speak, and that tongue-click language from Africa, which I also don’t speak. I made a miserable failure of my attempt at Russian, but I can manage about three others pretty well, and maybe seven more well enough to get by. But, you are very nearly as good as some ‘native-born’ English speakers I have heard. My hat is off to you.
    – Papa S.

    1. Veteran,
      I agree completely with Papa S and Stand My Ground.
      The last time I was in Czech Republic and tried a few words, mymom and relatives just shook their heads and asked me to only speak in english.
      My mom is Czech and my dad was Polish. Can’t speak either .
      Keep up your posting. We enjoy hearing from ya☺️
      PEACE to all
      MadFab

  23. My friends thank you all for your support! It is honor for me to be member of this community!
    We understand each other no matter what language we use! It is great success for me to be here and share my experiences with you and read your experiences and knowledge. Very unique and interesting resource in my strategy to be ready for whatever will happen.
    I hope so my experience and knowledge will be interesting for you too.
    Anyway, thank you all and
    God bless you!

  24. To Veteran:

    Your English is coming along just fine and it has been improving as I read your postings over the time you have started to respond on this site. Learning a new language and mastery of it is like going to a gym to gain strength.

    Keep practicing with us on this site. It is a joy to hear from you when you post.

    All experienced field medics are cut from the same cloth. We step up and tend to the wounded in the aftermath so stay safe out there. I have to respect that characteristic no matter what language they speak. ( to include the White Helmets in Syria.)

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